Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is once again positioning himself at the forefront of calls for expanded American military involvement in the Middle East, this time urging the United States to fully enter Israel’s war against Iran and entertain the prospect of regime change in Tehran.
Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation Sunday, Graham made clear that any Iranian aggression toward U.S. personnel in the region should trigger direct military retaliation—including an effort to topple Iran’s government. His remarks followed mounting tension after Iran and Israel exchanged missile attacks over the past week in what analysts warn could spiral into a wider regional war.
In his interview with host Margaret Brennan, Graham stated bluntly:
“If there’s one attack on an American in the Mideast by Iran, then you will get regime change.”
He further claimed that only military force could prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, stating:
“Diplomacy is preferred, as Dick says. But force may be the only option.”
Graham also revealed he had advised President Donald Trump to prepare for broader action in support of Israel:
“President Trump, you have been great—help Israel finish the job.”
The senator framed the confrontation with Iran as a test of American resolve on the global stage, arguing that decisive action would reverberate with adversaries like Russia, China, and terrorist organizations. “If you want to get Russia right… convince international terrorism we mean business—you have to finish the job with Iran.”
Graham, one of Washington’s most outspoken foreign policy hawks, has a long history of advocating aggressive U.S. posture in the Middle East. His latest comments drew renewed attention—and criticism—for their tone and timing, especially amid a volatile situation involving multiple international actors and escalating violence.
Mike Pence: “If Israel needs our help to ensure that the Iranian nuclear program is destroyed once and for all, the United States of America needs to be prepared to do it.” pic.twitter.com/VlmnI42KoV
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) June 15, 2025
Critics have taken aim at what they see as Graham’s enthusiastic attitude toward war, accusing him of overhyping military solutions while downplaying the risks of entanglement. Social media reaction to the interview was swift, with many highlighting Graham’s history of cheerleading for U.S. intervention in Iraq, Libya, and Syria—with mixed or disastrous results.
CBS host Margaret Brennan challenged Graham’s logic during the interview, pointing out that “you can’t necessarily bomb someone into concessions they were not willing to make.” She also pressed Graham on whether his push for regime change was premature, considering there’s been little evidence that Iran is open to negotiation.
Graham remained firm, blaming the Ayatollah and the Iranian regime for the diplomatic breakdown:
“If we don’t have negotiations, it’s not because of Trump—it’s because of the Ayatollah.”
Joining Graham during the segment was Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who added his own warning to Tehran:
“If Iran miscalculates now, it will face the consequences.”
Though Blumenthal stopped short of endorsing regime change or boots on the ground, the comment marked bipartisan concern over Iran’s actions—and a signal that Washington’s patience is wearing thin.
